Do Essential Oils Really Work?

Creighton University Medical Center School of Medicine is out to determine if alternative therapies actually work. Aromatherapy has long been recognized for the treatment of minor ailments as well as the promotion of emotional stability. But how does it actually work? The Medical Center reports that while there is widespread use, there is still not much scientific evidence to support claims of the ability to treat these ailments.

What studies have been done? The school has tested the lavender, chamomile, marigold and peppermint essential oils in several studies to see if there was a reduction in the perception of pain. Placebo tests were also performed in these studies as well. The results showed that there positive effects through the use of the essential oils although they were not conclusive. Does that mean that essential oils do not work? Absolutely not! What the studies do show is that there are positive physiological effects when aromatherapy was used as a complementary form of treatment.

The use of aromatherapy is rooted in our history with its use dating back some one thousand years. The Egyptians used essential oils for embalming the dead, but they also used them as medicines, for perfumes and as cosmetics. Throughout the centuries following the use of essential oils in medical treatments were refined through the use of improved distillation equipment and additional studies of plants. While the term “aromatherapy” is new, the practice of using essential oils as medicines is not.

We do know that aromatherapy combines uses the sense of smell to regulate emotional behaviors. We know that certain essential oils are known to induce feelings of peace, harmony, reduce stress, anger or fatigue as well as other emotional facets. Essential oils can also reduce anxiety or feelings of loneliness. There is an essential oil that can aid in the treatment of just about every negative emotion and enhance the positive ones as well. But how it all works has still not been proven.

We also know that essential oils used as a topical treatment have been known to exhibit anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic responses. Topical treatments are normally diluted mixes of essential oils with carrier oils such as apricot kernel oil or almond sweet oil. Essential oils have been used in the treatment of acne, athlete’s foot, eczema and other skin ailments. Essential oils have also been noted to reduce scarring tissue and stretch marks. Citrus oils have also been used to treat insect bites as well as act as insect repellant. There are so many uses!

While there still might be little evidence to support or validate the scientific processes of healing or emotional balance that take place within the body, we are still seeing positive responses! We are still seeing and experiencing the benefits of what aromatherapy can do when we add this to our regimen. Whether or not the use of essential oils is right for you, only you can decide. Take some time to consult with your doctor or aroma therapist and see how you can add nature’s benefits to your life!

Emotional Intelligence And Its Link To Stress Management

The following article covers a topic that has recently moved to center stage–at least it seems that way. If you’ve been thinking you need to know more about it, here’s your opportunity.

One of the most recent breakthroughs when it comes to stress management deal with emotional intelligence. It is therefore important to understand this concept and how you can utilize it to maximize stress relief results.

What is Emotional Intelligence?

Emotional intelligence is basically a quality of skill that enables anyone to control their emotional state. For anyone dealing with stress, you are monotonous aware how emotions can worsen or relieve the stressful situation you are in. According to research studies, people who keep managed to boost their emotional intelligence skills are better able to reduce stress levels in their lives.

Stress and Opposite Emotions

Upon the inception of stress, the body undergoes various physiological changes that are later on manifested in physical form of symptoms of stress. But what is the ultimate source of stress that you are experiencing? Basically, it comes as a emanation of the negative emotions that is developing inside you. It comes as a decision of the pressure that from your workplace, at home, or amongst your peers.

All of these constitution trigger biochemical events inside your body such that it is prompted to release cortisols or stress hormones, as well as adrenaline. The buildup of negative emotion can therefore either be a cause or effect of stress. Either way, it is unhealthy for you. In reality, it poses one at risk of developing serious conditions such as high blood pressure and an increase in heart rate. You can therefore get supplementary motivation to combat the signs of stress.

Enforcing Positive Emotions

Now that you grasp the potential harm brought about by the presence of negative emotions in your life, it is important to transform them into something positive. This will serve to counteract the effects of negative reaction in your health and social relationships.

You can do this by promoting positive emotions. While negative emotions can risk you of elaborating baneful health conditions, promoting positivity can boost the supply of DHEA or anti – aging hormone in your body. This is produced out of the same precursor that will respond to the emotional state of the body. So, whether you are suffering from a positive or negative emotion, it will its own corresponding effect on your physiological and emotional state.

Enhancing Emotional Intelligence Skills

Although the benefits of enhancing emotional intelligence in stress management has been established, actually doing this is a incommensurable thing altogether. This is challenging with the constant assault of stressors in one’s everyday life. Here are some techniques to help you lift emotional intelligence:

Take time to establish direct awareness of your body parts each day. This bequeath help establish more awareness about what you truly feel inside.

Set aside time to meditate. You can develop high emotional intelligence with constant practice of meditation.

Adapt a healthy diet and lifestyle. When you are physically healthy, it becomes easier to deal with your emotions.

Write a journal. This is a great method for exploring your emotional state to see patterns and be able to posses more power over how you feel.

Make sure you practice the extreme techniques often to boost your emotional intelligence skills and attain effective stress management ability.
Hopefully the sections above have contributed to your understanding of stress. Share your new understanding about stress with others. They’ll thank you for it.